Chantel Horvat has labelled her first three days in camp with the Opals ahead of next week’s FIBA Asia Cup in Sydney as “a phenomenal experience”.
The Hoop City Geelong United Supercats star was officially announced as being on the roster for the week-long tournament on Tuesday morning but flew to the Harbour City on Sunday to start preparations.
“It’s amazing training with this group of girls and learning from the coaching staff,” Horvat told geelongunitedbasketball.com.au.
“It’s been a phenomenal experience so far.
“There’s been a lot of training; getting to know the offences, getting to learn the defence, meetings and stuff like that.”
Horvat was named in the initial squad of 19 last month after making an impressive start to her 2023 NBL1 campaign.
The 25-year-old said there was an outpouring of emotion when she found out she would be wearing a green and gold singlet at senior level.
“I couldn’t fight back the tears; it was so exciting,” Horvat said.
“Being in the squad was such an honour … but when I got the call that I’d made the team, I was in shock – I couldn’t believe it.
“It’s been a like a dream since I got that phone call.”
Horvat, who will join Russell Riches, Michelle Chandler and Trish Fallon as the only Geelong-produced Opals/Boomers, hopes her success inspires the next generation of basketballers in the region.
“I can’t believe I’m up there with those names,” she said. “It’s such a privilege and it’s such an honour.
“To be from Geelong and represent my country’s is just awesome.
“Geelong’s got a lot of talent, so hopefully in the years coming, there’s more kids coming out of Geelong that get live their dream of playing for the Opals or the Boomers.”
When Horvat suits up in the Opals’ opening game against the Philippines on Monday night, she will join her dad in representing Australia.
Steve Horvat made 32 appearances for the Socceroos between 1994-2002 and was part of the Olyroos 1996 Olympic campaign in Atlanta.
“He said his proudest moment was representing his country,” Horvat said.
“That was something I always wanted to achieve, and now I’m following in his footsteps just in a different sport.
“It’s really great to be able to have his guidance throughout my whole childhood and sporting career.”
Click here to follow the Opals’ progress during the FIBA Asia Cup
